Windows 10 Black Screen problem

Did your PC or laptop stuck with a black screen after logging into Windows 10, nothing at all appears on the screen. Other times, you may have a mouse and keyboard but no desktop environment. Users report that Windows 10 black screen after login, and nothing at all appears on the screen.

This problem occurs when, after entering your credentials, the screen remains completely black, displaying no desktop icons or taskbar.

This issue can arise due to various reasons, ranging from software conflicts to hardware malfunctions or outdated graphics drivers are common. In this guide, we will explore the possible reasons behind the Windows 10 black screen after login and Solutions to fix the problem, regain full functionality of the system

Windows 10 Black screen after login

Black screen on your PC or laptop can appear at any time during use, immediately after booting, after or during an update or any other time. A common reason behind this problem is due to your graphics driver, or compatibility issues with an update or related hardware. Again the fast startup feature on Windows 10, faulty programs or Broken startup applications, or Connection problems also cause this problem.

  • Restarting Windows Explorer and update the display driver with the latest version is very effective to fix such problems on Windows computers.
  • Disable the Fast startup feature, which optimizes the Windows startup time another effective solution to fix the problem.
  • Perform Windows 10 clean boot and run the power troubleshooter to identify and fix if incorrect power configuration or third-party service or startup programs causing the issue.
  • Also, Ensure the latest Windows updates are installed on your PC that brings the latest bug fixes include resolution for this black screen problem.

Disconnect external Devices

One or more of your external devices connected to your PC might be causing the black screen issue. Let’s first disconnect all peripherals from your computer and reboot your PC to see if it resolves the issue.

This helps eliminate potential conflicts and allows for a cleaner startup.

By removing peripherals like printers, scanners, and external drives, you can pinpoint if any of these devices are contributing to the black screen problem. Remember to reconnect devices one at a time to identify the problematic hardware accurately.

In addition, there could be an issue with the connection between your device and the display and result black screen error. look at the physical connection between your device and the display (check the HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort cables).

Sometimes, disconnecting and reconnecting the cables can fix the issue.

Again If your video card has more than one output, (using Dual monitors) try using a different port to connect your display. It could be that one of the ports has an issue. If you’re using an external monitor, switch to a different HDMI cable.

If you are using a laptop, unplug your Power and take out the battery. Then hold the power button on and wait for a little while. Put the battery back in the Laptop, And Turn it on.

Restart windows explorer

Let’s Hold the Windows key + P, or CTRL + Alt + Del to wake the screen. If you keep having an unresponsive screen, then press either the Windows + P or the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys at the same time. This will wake an unresponsive Windows system.

Microsoft suggests when you notice Windows 10 stuck at black screen, Press the Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B keys simultaneously. The key combination is designed specifically to wake the system from a black screen after login.

Windows Explorer is the program that’s responsible for loading your desktop. If it doesn’t load correctly, you may see a black screen with a floating cursor.

  • Press CTRL + Alt + Del at the same time, then select Task Manager.
  • Click File, then Run a new task, and type explorer.exe in the box.
  • Click OK. If Windows Explorer was the issue, your desktop should now reappear.

Windows 10 safe mode

If the problem continues, then start Windows in Safe Mode, to perform feature troubleshooting steps.

To get into Safe Mode,

  • Turn your computer on and off three times. While booting, make sure you turn off the computer when you see the Windows logo.
  • After the third time, Windows 10 will boot into diagnostics mode. Click Advanced options when the recovery screen appears.

Automatic Repair couldn't repair your pc

  • Click on Troubleshoot then Advanced options
  • Select Startup Settings then restart, and press F4 to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode.

Windows 10 Safe mode

As discussed before display drivers probably cause the Black screen problem. Once your PC is in Safe Mode, follow the steps below to update or reinstall the display (graphics) driver first.

Update display driver

Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible display drivers can lead to a black screen after login. Updating or reinstalling the drivers can often resolve this issue.

  • Press the “Windows” key + “X” and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
  • Expand the “Display adapters” section, right-click your graphics card, and select “Update driver.”

Select Search Automatically for updated driver software and follow on-screen instructions to let Windows download and install if a new driver update is available there.

Update display driver

Reinstall Display driver

If no new driver update is available then you can try to reinstall the current display (graphics) driver by following the steps below.

  • Again open the device manager, and Expend display driver
  • Now right-click on the installed display driver and select uninstall driver,
  • Click ok when ask for confirmation and restart Windows,

On the next start windows automatically install the built-in display driver and probably fixes the Black screen problem. Or you can Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer to download and install the latest drivers directly.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can cause various issues, including a black screen after login. Running the System File Checker can help identify and repair these files.

  • Press the “Windows” key, type “cmd,” right-click “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan complete; it may take some time.
  • Once the scan finishes, it will provide a report on any repaired files. Follow any further instructions if prompted.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes cause conflicts during boot, leading to a black screen. Disabling it can help resolve this issue.

  • Press Windows key + R, type powercfg.cpl and click ok
  • Click on “Choose what the power button does” (located in the left pane).
  • Next, Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
  • Scroll down to “Shutdown settings” and uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended).” Save changes.

Fast Startup

Disable Hardware Acceleration in Applications

Some applications use hardware acceleration which can cause conflicts with the graphics driver. Disabling it can help resolve the black screen issue.

  • Open the application that causes the black screen after login.
  • Look for settings related to graphics or performance and find an option to disable hardware acceleration.
  • Close and reopen the application for the changes to take effect.

Uninstall Windows updates

If the problem started after a recent Windows update, and the above solutions didn’t fix the problem. It might be update bug causing black screen problem on Windows 10.

  • Reaccess the Recovery Environment, and select Uninstall Updates.
  • Select uninstall latest feature update, sign in if prompted, and click the uninstall feature upgrade button.

uninstall updates from advanced options

Perform a System Restore

Performing a system restore is one of the most effective ways to fix different problems with Windows PCs including the black screen issue. This will revert Windows settings and user data to a previous working state. Therefore, before you proceed, make sure you already have a Restore Point maintained.

  • Afterward, just go to your computer’s Settings >
  • Navigate System Settings then  System Properties and visit the “System Protection” tab.
  • Now, click on the “System Restore” button and follow a simple click-through process to restore your computer’s settings.

Did these solutions help to fix black screen problem on Windows 10 computers? Let us know on the comments below.

Also read:

Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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